Clint Bowyer wins Sprint Showdown

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Clint Bowyer has won the Sprint Showdown to advance into the $1 million All-Star Race.

AJ Allmendinger finished second to also advance into Saturday night’s main event.

The Sprint Showdown is traditionally held immediately before the All-Star race, with the top two finishers and the winner of a fan vote transferring into the dash-for-cash. But the qualifier was moved to Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the warm-up wasn’t a thriller.

Until the winner of the fan vote was announced.

Josh Wise was the upset winner, powered by the online community at Reddit and fans who support him through the digital currency Dogecoin. He beat out favorite Danica Patrick to earn a spot in the All-Star race.